Crossing the Touchline: Talking D.C. United at Columbus Crew SC with Ben Bromley of Black & Red United

It's the third meeting of the year between Columbus Crew SC and D.C. United, but this one is by far the most important of the meetings. The winner of this game takes second place in the Eastern Conference, which means missing the one-game Knockout Round of the playoffs.

The first game took place early in the season at D.C.'s RFK Stadium and was a 2-0 win for the Black & Red. Crew SC repaid the favor in September with a 2-1 win at MAPFRE Stadium.

United currently sits one point ahead of Columbus in the East and and a draw could be good enough for them to finish second.

D.C. is led by the offensive duo of Chris Rolfe and Fabian Espindola. Rolfe has 10 goals on the season, five of them winners, and Espindola, who missed much of the year dealing with injures, has seven assists.

It's a classic MLS battle between two league originals. Both are looking to get a result in this one and it will be a big part of MLS' Decision Day.

We talked with Ben Bromley, Black & Red United's managing editor, to see what he expects from this game.

Questions for Black & Red United

Massive Report: A win for either side in this game clinches a second place finish in the East and secures a bye to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but United could possibly get second with a draw depending on other results. How do you see D.C. playing this game? Will the team come out looking for the victory or will they be contest to sit back and hope for the draw on the road?

Black & Red United: After a long winless streak, United has won their last two games with the same lineup. I think that, regardless of result, this team is looking to build on these wins and get on a hot streak going into the playoffs. This road test against another playoff team will be another good test and a good way to keep them ready.

MR: With the way the season has gone for United, first place for much of the season and such, what are the playoff expectations of fans? Is this the same D.C. team that was so dominant most of the year and can they make a deep run?

B&RU: The D.C. team of early this year was very lucky, so I don't know if you can make any inferences from that. D.C. United has to win a playoff series for the fans to be happy; it has been too long since they have done so. Obviously MLS Cup is always the goal, but the conference finals is a minimum for United fans.

MR: United has two wins on the trot coming into this game. Take away the potential second place finish. How important would it be for a postseason run for D.C. to enter the playoffs with a three-game winning streak?

B&RU: United has finally found their starting lineup now that everyone is healthy, and they need to keep playing them together to get reps. They have beaten two teams out of the playoffs so far, so beating a team in the playoffs would be a great way to entire the playoffs and that is what the are looking for.